Population aging and the digitalization of healthcare are reshaping European societies, pos ing both challenges and opportunities. Older adults, as primary users of healthcare services, often lack the digital skills needed to benefit fully from e-health innovations, increasing the risk of social exclusion. Digital literacy is therefore essential to support autonomy, wellbe ing, and equitable access to care. While various instructional methods exist, peer-to-peer learning remains underexplored despite its established use in other healthcare domains. This paper presents a scoping review aimed at mapping existing studies on peer-to-peer digital literacy courses for older adults. Specifically, it examines the structural characteristics of these courses and how their effectiveness and impact on wellbeing are assessed. The review addresses a gap in the literature and informs future development of inclusive digital educa tion strategies for older populations.

Supporting Older Adults in the Digital Health Era: A Scoping Review of Peer Digital Literacy Courses / D. Pizzul, A. Caliandro. - In: SALUTE E SOCIETÀ. - ISSN 1723-9427. - 2025:3(2026 Feb), pp. 144-158. [10.3280/SES2025-003-S001010]

Supporting Older Adults in the Digital Health Era: A Scoping Review of Peer Digital Literacy Courses

A. Caliandro
Ultimo
2026

Abstract

Population aging and the digitalization of healthcare are reshaping European societies, pos ing both challenges and opportunities. Older adults, as primary users of healthcare services, often lack the digital skills needed to benefit fully from e-health innovations, increasing the risk of social exclusion. Digital literacy is therefore essential to support autonomy, wellbe ing, and equitable access to care. While various instructional methods exist, peer-to-peer learning remains underexplored despite its established use in other healthcare domains. This paper presents a scoping review aimed at mapping existing studies on peer-to-peer digital literacy courses for older adults. Specifically, it examines the structural characteristics of these courses and how their effectiveness and impact on wellbeing are assessed. The review addresses a gap in the literature and informs future development of inclusive digital educa tion strategies for older populations.
digital competence; peer education; older adults; peer training; e-health; scoping review
Settore GSPS-06/A - Sociologia dei processi culturali e comunicativi
feb-2026
https://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/articolo/79279
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/1244856
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